Intermediate Football - Kerry v Christopher's

Kerry  0-17 Christopher’s 1-12

Kevin Kilkelly sees a chance at a goal

Kerry joy in Ireland today and in Canton the Kerry men will also have been happy with their day’s work.  The kingdom shook off a persistent Christopher’s challenge to secure a 3 point win and the top placing in the Intermediate championship.  It was not until after the first water break that Kerry started to motor and with the teams level at half time, Kerry played some nice football to pick off the points and open up a lead that they maintained throughout the remainder of the second half.  Christopher’s struggled to get any kind of rhythm going and will be playing the Blues in a semi-final in a couple of weeks time not matter the results for the final round of games.

Christopher’s got off to the better start with a goal and 2 points to a single Kerry point after 10 minutes.  The penalty came after Rian O’Sullivan had got Kerry off the mark with a first point for the Kingdom to make it a 2 points to one score line.  Mark McSweeney at corner forward was fouled in the penalty area as the ball was played quickly downfield from the kick out, and Kevin Kilkelly dispatched the kick into the bottom corner.  It was Kilkelly and Alan Kennedy who accounted for Christopher’s scores, Kilkelly with a point to add to the goal, and Kennedy with three points.  Kerry took some time to gain a foothold in the game and there were some well taken scores once they did, with plenty of interpassing from the half forward line.  There could have been a goal when Rian O’Sullivan was sent through, however, Bill Crookston was equal to the shot and kept the ball out.  Kerry’s scores came from O’Sullivan, Jack Casey and Gearoid DIllane.

Padraig Doyle and Bill Crookston Challenge
for the Ball.

Kerry came out strong following the water break.  The forward line started to motor and some quick exchanges saw the scores go over the bar.  Dillane, O’Sullivan, Farrell, and Casey each pointed before Kilkelly and Kennedy provided some relief for Christopher’s.  At the break it was level thanks to 2 O’Sullivan points, Kerry 0-9 Christopher’s 1-6 at the half.

Kerry held an advantage following the restart.  O’Sullivan at half forward had found his groove and popped over 2 nice points before Kilkelly answered for Christopher’s.  Then it was Declan O’Sullivan finding the space between the posts, and Jack Farrell as Kerry opened up a 3 point lead that they would maintain for the remainder of the game.  Christopher’s made some changes looking to reignite the forward line but still struggled to change the tone of the game and overcome the gap between the sides.  Luke Tunney and Kennedy pointed, while it was Jack Farrell for Kerry to make it a 2 point game heading into the final 15 minutes. 

Farrell and O’Sullivan points were answered by Tunny and Kennedy, but with the clock running down a goal was what was really required by Christopher’s.  In the Canton heat, with energy levels sapped from both teams, it looked increasingly unlikely that we would be in for an explosive finish.  The teams traded points to see it out, and it is Kerry the top seed and straight into the final.

Kerry:  Sean Bohan, Alex Clark, Noel Hatton, Shane O’Connor, James Farrell, Connor Stark, Declan O’Sullivan, Darragh , Jack Casey, Jack Farrell, Rian O’Sullivan, Gearoid Dillane, Padraig Doyle.  Christopher’s:  William Crookston, Jake Kelly, Martin Coppinger, Andrew Inmon, Patrick Kelly, Luke Tunney, Diarmaid Baker, Conor McGuinness, Denis Dempsey, Killian Kilkelly, James Horgan, Mark McSweeney, Alan Kennedy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Kerry GAA Club AGM; London's Neasden Gaels to Visit

Kerry GAA Club AGM

Results of the Kerry Football Club AGM 2016 which was held recently at the 12 Ben’s in Dorchester. The following officers were elected :

Chairman - Jim O’Sullivan

Vice Chairman - Mike Moriarty

Secretary- Dan O’Connor

Assistant  Secretary – Ronan Driscoll

Treasurer - Sean O’Sullivan

Assistant Treasurer - Joe O’Shea

Pro - Connie Kelly

Registrars - Brian O’Driscoll, John O’Neill,

Delegates - Mossy Murphy and Timmy O’Neill

Main Sponsors - Gabe Mannion of the 12 Ben’s

2015 was a year of high expectations for the Kerry Football Club and with a bit of luck it could have been so different as the record speaks for itself. In the first game of the Senior Championship Kerry lost to Aidan McAnespies by  4-10 to 3-15 with McAnespies scoring two very late points after Kerry had a 9 point lead. They lost their second game to the Wolfe Tones by just one point – 4-8 to 2-15 and in their third game they drew with the Shannon Blues 4-9 to 2-15. In 2016 the Kerry Football Club is hoping that lady luck will shine her light on the green and gold in Boston. April 30^th is the closing date for home based selection players and with a limited number of selections available it is important to get in touch with the club officers. The Kerry Club is highly respected in Boston. It has been around since 1886 and over that period of time  so many of the Kingdom’s finest footballers have played for Kerry in Boston and we hope that this tradition will continue for many more years to come. (Submitted by Connie Kelly, PRO).

Neasden Gaels

The Neasden Gaels from London will be taking a flight across the pond to Boston and during their stay in the area will play a challenge against the Connemara Gaels on Saturday, March 19.  The Gaels from London and Boston have met several years ago in a challenge.  A good weekend is in store.

Men's Senior Football: Christopher's v Kerry

Kerry 2-15 Christopher’s 3-16

Christopher’s pulled out the win in the end, though Kerry made it interesting although they were out of the running for the playoffs.  The game appeared to be done and dusted with Christopher’s holding a 12 point half time lead, however, Kerry netted twice in the second period and brought the difference to a single point with 5 minutes to go.  Christopher’s managed to rise their game in the final minutes and just about secure the win to see them to, at minimum, a playoff game for the quarter finals.

Christopher's still alive in the senior football championship.

The first half was a tame enough affair, although there were plenty of well taken scores from each side.  Ronan Kennedy took some fine scores for Kerry and early on the Kingdom had a three point lead with Christopher’s yet to score.  Mark Delaney got Christopher’s off the mark with a point, and after Ryan Harkin added a second Christopher’s capitalized on a mis-placed short kickout, Tom “Cooper” Fahy chipped the ball over Steven Enright’s head and into the empty net.

Christopher’s could not afford to settle though.  Kerry almost had a goal themselves, however, Eoghan Keogh was down to smother John O’Keefe’s close range shot and the effort from the rebound was also cleared off the line.  Christopher’s then started to pull away as the half wore on.  Some good defending kept Kerry at bay, and the points began to pour over the bar.  Mark Delaney, Fahy, and Vaughan were the main protagonists.  A second goal from Vaughan put Christopher’s into a 10 point lead, and Kerry’s interest seemed to wane.  At the break it was a 2-12 to 0-7 Christopher’s advantage.

Bad luck with injuries and early results leave Kerry out of the running.

The second half threw up a surprise as Kerry reduced the difference to a single point with 5 minutes to go.  A goal from Tom Menton early on in the second period seemed at the time like it would merely put a gloss on the score, however the scores kept coming for Kerry.  Had Christopher’s been lulled into a false sense of security?  Kennedy was the main threat for Kerry, putting several balls over the bar as the difference narrowed.  Christopher’s had trouble responding and getting the ball into the opposing half, and with Cathal Vaughan having the leave the field of play, Christopher’s were without their talisman to pull them out of the rut. 

A second Kerry goal from a 21 yard free taken by Ronan Kennedy saw Kerry gain hope of playing the role of spoiler.  There were a couple of close shaves as Kerry threatened to pull off a win to finish their season, and ruin Christopher’s day.  Christopher’s gathered themselves however, and gained some momentum for the final five minutes.  Three points on the trot from Paddy Manning, David Dunne, and Fahy saw the points in the bag for Christopher’s and depending on the results next weekend will be at least in a playoff for sixth place.

Kerry:  S. Enright, D. Larkin, M. Murphy, S. Driscoll, R. Driscoll, J. O’Shea, D. Foley, P. O’Sullivan, R. Croft, M. Manning, J. O’Keefe, R. Kennedy, S. O’Callaghan.  Christopher’s:  E. Keogh, N. Rossiter, L. Kitterick, E. O’Neill, S. White, P. Kennedy, C. Murphy, R. Harkin, M. Delaney, C. Vaughan, E. Nolan, D. Kenneally, T. Cooper.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Kerry

Kerry 4-8 Wolfe Tones 2-15

Kerry and Wolfe Tones played a tremendusly exciting senior football match, a game in which the Tones will be relieved to have come away from with both points.  The Tones seemed to have had the game fairly safe on a few occasions, but Kerry hit with goals to keep themselves in with a shout and the Tones supports anxious, to the very end.  For the second week in a row, however, the Kingdom walked off the field wondering what might have been, while the Tones had two points in their pocket.

Marty Farrell in action for Wolfe Tones

Wolfe Tones motored well in the first half.  From Mike “Frodo” O’Brien in the half back line, though midfielders Jerry Troy and Danny O’Callaghan, and a well tuned forward line, the Tones looked in synch for much of the first 30 minutes.  Two goals were tallied, Neill Flynn at wing forward netted the first and Dan McCabe the second following an exquisite pass from fellow Down native Marty Farrell.  Gary Brilly worked hard in the full forward line, and supply was in abundance as Kerry were on the back foot for long spells. 

Kerry kept themselves in the game with a John O’Keefe goal, the wing forward is proving to be a valuable asset for the Kerry men this year.  Robbie Croft and David Larkin kept their side in touch with points, however, Kerry needed to make the most of every possession to do so as it was their opponents who held the upper hand in that department.   McCabe, Flynn, Barry McShea, and Danny O’Callaghan each found the space between the posts for the Tones who led by a score of 2-5 to 1-4 at the break. 

Darren Foley and Jerry Troy battle for this ball.

About half way through the second period the teams were level.  The Tones looked to be getting a firmer grip on affairs as Kerry started to look tired.  The Tones chipped away at the points through O’Callaghan, Hurley, McCabe, and Flynn but their Achilles heel was in their penchant for opening the door to Kerry’s forwards for goals.  Phil O’Sullivan stole in for a goal after the Tones coughed up the ball coming out of defence, and O’Keefe had the teams on level terms after forcing the ball over the line from inside the small square. 

There were close calls at either end, Cathal Moriarty pulled a ball off the line at one end, and Kerry keeper Stephen Enright was called on to get low to save from O’Brien at the other as the game hung in the balance.  Kerry attacked in waves for a brief period, throwing the kitchen sink at their opponents in a huge effort to turn the tables, however, the green and gold had nothing to show for it by the time the Tones gathered themselves.  

The Tones punished Kerry with three quick points in as many minutes, almost drawing a contrast between the fortunes of each side, to restore the gap.   The insurance point came from Ciaran Hurley to put four between the teams.  It was just as well from a Tones viewpoint as Croft fisted a high ball into the net with 2 minutes left as Kerry still refused to accept defeat.  Kerry, however, could not find that extra bit to pull themselves ahead and the game ended with a relieved Wolfe Tones taking both championship points back to South Boston.

Kerry: S. Enright, J. O’Keefe, J. Barry, J. O’Shea, S. Driscoll, D. Larkin, D. Foley, L. Healy, J. Long, R. Driscoll, J. O’Keefe, P. O’Sullivan, R. Croft.  Tones:  D. McDonnell, E. Powderly, B. McShea, M. O’Brien, S. George, C. Moriarty, D. O’Callaghan, J. Troy, M. Farrell, D. McCabe, N. Flynn, G. Brilly, C. Hurley.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football Championship: Aidan McAnespies v Kerry

Kerry 4-10 Aidan McAnespies 3-15

Depending on your viewpoint, it was a comeback of epic proportions or a collapse of epic proportions, either way, it was epic.  Having held the advantage for three quarters of the game and leading by no less than nine points entering the final 15, Kerry found themselves on the losing end of a two point decision.  McAnespies scored 2-5 to nothing for Kerry to finish the game. 

It was championship stuff between Kerry and Aidan McAnespies

It was a lively opening half with each side getting off the mark with a goal.  McAnespies struck first when Jamie Cox netted following a run from wing back, John Carney.  Kerry hit back rapidly, however.  A good move where Robbie Croft, Phil O’Sullivan, and Darren Foley liked up ended with Andy Menton netting from a tight angle.  The sides exchanged points as play flowed up and down the field, though Kerry looked a little tighter in their own defensive area. 

Kerry then hit a goal and two points with no reply.  A short kickout ended up in the hands of Croft, and the Dubliner found John O’Keefe totally unmarked with the keeper to beat.  O’Keefe finished with a low drive and Kerry were in the driver’s seat.  McAnespies could have answered in kind through Cox who found himself with the keeper to beat, though in fairness to the corner forward, the angle was tight and the ball went over the bar from the edge of the small square.  The half ended with two points for each side, Cox and Diarmaid Spratt for McAnespies and Croft with both of Kerry’s to see the Kingdom into the break with a four point lead.

Jamie Cox is out to this ball first.

Kerry extended their lead shortly after the restart.  A John O’Keefe goal extended the lead to 6 points.  Paddy Coakley made a great initial save, however, the Rathmore man was on to the rebound to force the ball over the line.  Foley was in behind the defence shortly afterwards following a high ball into the box as Kerry found the holes in which to operate, however this time the deflection from Coakley’s superb save was cleared.  Kerry were up for it now and Ronan Driscoll’s anticipation led to a score from Croft.  Driscoll’s play in the half back line was a shining light for Kerry as the wing back covered a lot of ground. 

McAnespies pointed four times to Kerry’s three before Joe O’Shea delivered what would have appeared to be the final blow to the McAnespies challenge with a goal and the game entering the final quarter.  Kerry were now nine points to the good and surely on track for an early two points.  McAnespies were still kicking though.  A sweeping move upfield led to Driscoll bundling Collie Donnelly over in the box, and Jamie Cox made no mistake with the spot kick.  Calum Comiskey then pointed to reduce the gap to five.  Then, a short kick out went wrong and ended up in the hands of Collie Donnelly who found Sean McConville to net – and the nine point difference was reduced to two in the space of a few minutes.  

At this stage the teams were headed in different trajectories.  McAnespies had the bit between their teeth and the belief that they would win the game was palpable while Kerry’s body language seemed to indicate that the collapse was unavoidable.  Everything ball offer was won by a pair of McAnespies hands and play was all in one direction.  Donnelly and Brickland pointed to level the scores before Comiskey and McConville made sure of the win with a point apiece.  A fantastic way to start for McAnespies, quite the opposite for Kerry.

Kerry:  S. Enright, J. O’Keefe, J. Barry, J. O’Shea, L. Healy, R. Driscoll, D. Foley, P. O’Sullivan, J. O’Keefe, R. Croft, J. Long, A. Menton, C. Whelan.  Macs: P. Coakley, M. Bogue, M. Boyle, J. Carney, C. Comiskey, B. Shaughnessy, J. Brickland, G. O’Neill, R. Kennedy, C. Donnelly, D. Spratt, S. McConville, J. Cox.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun Aug 10 - Senior Football: Donegal v Kerry

Donegal 3-14 Kerry 3-13

It was classic championship football as Kerry pushed Donegal all the way in a battle of third and sixth placed teams.  After the first 20 minutes Donegal looked as though they would come through the game at a canter, but three second half goals from Kerry had them in a one point lead late in the game and an incredible upset looked likely.  To their credit, Donegal maintained their composure to level the scores and then take advantage of a last minute free to emerge one point winners.

Sean Boyle accounted for 2 Donegal goals.

Donegal’s forward line looked rampant at times in the first half, and on occasion the northerners returned Kerry kick outs back to score.  Steven Griffin tallied a goal after rounding the keeper, and a good handful of points, while his cohorts, Sean Boyle, Ryan Murray, and Daniel McLaughlin turned the Kerry back line inside out on occasion.  Boyle accounted for a goal to start the game after turning his man and finishing to the far corner.

Kerry had to be resourceful and tried to deploy their players as best they could.  There were a few well taken scores for the kingdom.  Joe Fitzpatrick, Robbie Croft, and Owen McGreevey tallied excellent points.  Having spent much of the first half on the back foot and with the game looking like it could slip past them, Kerry ended the half brightly and were hanging on.  The game could have been out of sight, but the Kingdom trailed by just the two goals at the break.

Steven Griffin rounds Lee Stacey to goal for Donegal.

Kerry kept it interesting in the second half.  An Owen McGreavey goal with about five minutes gone brought Kerry within four points.  The teams proceeded to swap points.  Kerry were able to find openings in the Donegal rearguard, and on two occasions could have netted a second.  Joe O’Shea’s shot was saved by Eamon McCarney and a second ended up over the bar from Graham Glenn.  Kerry eventually leveled the game with 10 minutes to go.  McGreavey created the overlap with a pacy run and Glenn was tripped in the box as he tried to round McCarney.  Croft took the penalty and put it in the corner.

The game came to a rousing climax as it could have gone either way in the final 10 minutes.  There was notable anticipation around Canton after a second Croft goal.  The Dubliner may have been a little selfish as the obvious choice was a handpass to Glenn, but Croft took matters into his own hands and finished into the corner to put Kerry a goal to the good.  Donegal, however, swept upfield from the kickout and moving the ball at speed and in clinical fashion, leveled after Boyle palmed into the net to level the scores again.  The teams remained tied after trading points with the 60 minutes played.  The end came after a Kerry free was put wide from about 40 yards by Croft, and Griffin pointed from about 25 for Donegal with virtually the last kick of the game.  Cruel disappointment for Kerry, and relief for Donegal to hold off a gallant Kerry challenge. 

Donegal:  E. McCarney, M. Canney, J. O’Connor, S. Doherty, G. Gallagher, C. Healy, M. Smyth, C. Thompson, G. Clancy, S. Griffin, D. McLaughlin, R. Murray, S. Boyle.  Kerry:  L. Stacey, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, J. O’Shea, S. Briggs, C. Moriarty, D. Foley, M. Condron, O. McGreavey, I. Whelan, J. Fitzpatrick, G. Glenn, R. Croft.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun Aug 3 - Men's Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Kerry

Wolfe Tones 3-11 Kerry 2-10

Wolfe Tones and Kerry battled it out for fifth and sixth place in the final game of the day on Sunday.  With the game tied mid-way through the second half the Tones stepped up the pace to pull away and secure the points.  The result means that the Tones meet the Connemara Gaels next week's quarter final, while Kerry will meet Donegal.

Luke Flynn was a big asset to the Tones Sunday.

It was an evenly contested first half at the end of which the Tones held a 2 point lead.  A Lee Carr goal early in the half set the Tones up.  Kerry responded with two Niall Sheehy points. The Tones' Luke Flynn in the middle of the field caused all sorts of problems Kerry.  Speed was also a key as Darragh McVeety and Mike O'Brien opened up space at times, and points were converted by Marty Farrell. 

In the second half it was Kerry who netted early.  Robbie Croft put the ball into the net on the third attempt after the first two were blocked.  The score leveled the game.  Glenn had pointed for Kerry and Glen O'Connell and McVeety for the Tones.  The game was finely balanced at that point with neither side looking like they had a clear advantage. 

Eventually the Tones made the breakthrough with a goal from Marty Farrell.  With McVeety opening up the space, the ball went to Farrell who was all alone in front of goal and blasted into the roof of the net.  With Kerry now very much on the back foot a third goal was converted by Gary Brilly.  Again, the Kerry defence was opened up and Brilly finished well from an angle.  A cleverly taken Croft penalty ended the game for Kerry.  Next week sees the kingdom face a tough opponent in Donegal, and the Tones will meet the Gaels in the quarter finals.

Tones:  C. Hynes, K. Clarke, D. McConnon, M. O'Brien, C. Cleere, G. O'Connell, L. Flynn, S. Higgins, D. McVeety, G. Brilly, L. Carr, D. McCabe, M. Farrell.  Kerry:  L. Stacey, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, J. O'Shea, S. Briggs, C. O'Muircheartaigh, D. Foley, M. Condron, O. McGreevy, N. Sheehy, S. Lucey, R. Croft, G. Glenn.

By Rory O'Donnell

Saturday July 19 - Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Kerry

Shannon Blues 1-14 Kerry 1-10

Shannon Blues provided Kerry with a golden opportunity to pull off a big win, but the Kingdom failed to take it.  With the scores tied early in the second half, Blues center back, Dennis McElligott, was tagged with a second yellow card.  As the game wore on however, it was the Kerrymen who seemed to tire, while the Blues used the ball well to make the most of their opportunities, and outscore their arch rivals by 4 points to win the game.

Shane Briggs and Kerry Matched the Blues in the first half.

Kerry put it up to their opponents in the opening period.  The Blues introduced a face from last year, Darragh Treacy lined out in the middle of the field alongside James Walsh, forming a formidable midfield partnership.  The Blues got on the board first with a couple of points, but Kerry got a lift with a well taken Graham Glenn goal.  The Clareman fisted into the right spot from just outside the small square.  Croft popped over a couple of dead balls and Kerry were looking good.  A goal was on the cards for the Blues however.  The Kerry defence was opened up on a couple of occasions, and eventually a foul in the penalty area drew the signal.  Paul O'Connor fired home low to Lee Stacey's left.  It was O'Connor for the Blues and Croft for Kerry matching each other for scores up the final whistle.  It was a 1-6 each game at the break.

But Paul O'Connor and Blues pulled away in the second.

The second half saw the Blues go down a man after McElligott was shown a second yellow card, and Kerry fail to capitalize.  There was a golden opportunity for a goal that fell to Croft after the ball was poked across the face of goal.  The Dubliner tried to place it, but mishit the shot and the chance went a begging.  Kerry had a decent handful of chances to score after working the ball within range, but it looked as though a bit of anxiety crept in and the end product did not have the desired effect from a Kerry viewpoint. 

The Blues on the other hand made good use of the ball, and also almost had the ball in the net but the post denied Niall Murphy.  One score exemplified the precision with which the Blues were playing.  With Kerry having the extra man in the full back line, Sean O'Connor played a beautiful ball into Paul O'Connor who was between two Kerry defenders, and O'Connor put it over the bar.  As time went on Kerry were the side that looked to tire more quickly.  The O'Connor point put the Blues 3 up, and Kerry pulled within one following two Croft free kicks with minutes left.  The Blues, however, finished the stronger side with three unanswered points to go top of the table.  Kerry still in the playoff picture, but this was one that will leave the Kingdom wondering what they need to do to come out on the right side of the result.

Kerry:  L. Stacey, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, P. Devane, S. Briggs, C. Moriarty, D. Foley, M. Condron, O. McGreevey, G. Glynn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, N. Sheehy.  Blues:  C. Wallace, S. Kelly, C. Long, T. Wallace, D. McElligott, S. Moriarty, J. Walsh, D. Treacy, M. Brosnan, D. Clifford, S. O'Connor, P. O'Connor, N. Murphy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 6 - Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Kerry

Connemara Gaels 0-12 Kerry 1-9

It was touch and go all the way through between the Gaels and Kerry, although Kerry may look at the result a point lost and the Gaels a point saved.  The Gaels never led in the game, and apart from the final 10 minutes Kerry looked the side more likely to take both points.  The Gaels made a push in the final stages of the game and salvaged a draw in a very exciting final few minutes.

Kerry had the Gaels guessing for much of the game.

The Gaels made a few changes following last week's defeat at the hands of Donegal, and it made little difference, for the first 30 minutes at least.  Kerry's forward triangle of Croft, Glenn, and Sheehy worked well, while in defence Kerry got numbers behind the ball to deny any space to the Gaels forward line.  A goal from a penalty got Kerry off to a great start.  Glenn was fouled having been played through by Croft, and Croft put the shot away well.  Murt Condron and Glenn followed with points before the Gaels got on the scoreboard through Dave McCormack.  The Gaels did not get many openings, and when they did the effort was often wayward.  Kerry were also guilty of a handful of decent chances going astray, and relied on the shooting of Croft to make their advantage count on the scoreboard.  But for Eoin Connolly the Gaels could have found themselves further behind.  The Leitir Mor man was called upon to pull off two fantastic saves.  Connolly first got down well to save a Croft effort and then a minute later saved from Niall Sheehy as Kerry carved open the Gaels defence on two occasions.  John Egan and Calum McCormack managed points for the Gaels before the break to keep the westerners in touch. 

The westerners almost stole it in the end.

It was a 1-4 to 0-3 Kerry lead to start the second half.  There continued to be plenty of chances wasted at both ends, with the Gaels being slightly the more guilty party.  After the teams traded two points each, the Gaels began to find their feet.  Calum McCormack looked more comfortable with the field in Canton and the spaces began to open up in the Kerry back line.  It looked as if fatigue was setting in to the Kerry side, and midfielder Ian Whelan had to leave the field with an injury to compound matters for the Kingdom.  McCormack and Conal Jones pointed to rein in the Kerry lead to two with 10 minutes left.  Glenn put a fantastic point over the bar as Kerry tried to hold on to their advantage.  The Gaels pressed ahead, and with the introduction of Ian Burke and Noel Graham looked like they might sneak a win.  Burke pointed twice, one being a leveling score as the clock hit time.  Kerry won a free in injury time that Croft pointed in his nonchalent style to put his side to put Kerry on to the good. The Gaels got one more chance, and McCormack converted with the final action of the game to salvage a point for his side.

Kerry:  L. Steacy, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, P. Devane, S. Briggs, M. Condron, I. Whelan, D. Foley, E. McGreevy, G. Glenn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, N. Sheehy.  Gaels:  E. Connolly, M. Shanahan, J. O'Donoghue, S. Conneely, C. Daly, C. Killeen, J. Barrett, C. Jones, G. Leech, C. McCormack, J. Egan, D. McCormack, C. Mulkerrins.

By Rory O'Donnell 

Saturday June 29 - Senior Football: Kerry v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 5-12 Kerry 2-15

Five goals saw McAnespies past a battling Kerry side that could not contain the talented McAnespies forward line.  Kerry posted a respectable score, one that would win many games, but with Caolan McGuirk at center back feeding a forward line containing Liam Boland, Mattie Campion, and Coalan O'Boyle, McAnespies always looked dangerous going forward.  Kerry briefly took the lead in the second half as the game became interesting, but McAnespies quickly regained the initiative to push home for the win.

Aidan McAnespies Collie Donnelly has a shot.

Before the game was 5 minutes old McAnespies had billowed the net twice.  First it was Daniel McKinless with a low shot to the far corner, and then it was a well fielded ball by Liam Boland as the Kerry backs dithered, and the Tipperary man finished from 14 yards.  Following the set back Kerry started to get into the game.  Ian Whelan won some clean ball in the middle of the field, while Robbie Croft got the Kingdom off the mark with a free.  Another from play and a Joe Fitzpatrick point and Kerry were back in the game.

McAnespies continued to be dangerous going forward, and at times the Kerry back line were at sixes and sevens.  Center back Caolan McGuirk was central to many of McAnespies forays forward as the Lavey man mopped up a lot of ball.  Mattie Campion added a brace, and a third goal from Jonathan McGourty appeared to have undone all of Kerry's good work.  Graham Glenn popped up with a goal just before half time to keep Kerry in the hunt.  At the break it was 3-6 to 1-9 in favour of McAnespies.

It was touch and go throughout the second half.  After Kerry closed the gap to two points, the Kingdom took a one point lead after Glenn netted following a Joey Fitzpatrick pass.  McAnespies quickly turned things back in their favour.  O'Boyle leveled matters, and Boland restored the lead.  With everything still very much to play for, McAnespies  netted a fourth goal.  This time it was Boland who finished from a Steven McAleer pass. 

Kerry answered with three points to bring to back to a single point in the difference.  Once again, when the goal was needed McAnespies made it happen.  A breakaway was finished by O'Boyle and with only a minute or two left and 5 points in it, Kerry's hopes

were shot down.  McAnespies in the hunt with the leading pack, and Kerry slipping following a good start to the championship.

Macs:  P. Coakley, M. Bogue, C. McPartland, N. Gallen, C. McGuirk, P. Meade, C. Donnelly, J. McGourty, S. McAleer, M. Campion, D. McKinless, L. Boland, C. O'Boyle.  Kerry:  L. Steacy, M. Godley, A. Whealan, P. Devane, A. Fitzgerald, M. Condron, I. Whelan, D. Foley, R. Croft, G. Glenn, J. Fitzpatrick, N. Sheehy, E. McGreevy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday June 22 - Junior A Football: Wolfe Tones v Kerry

Kerry 0-8 Wolfe Tones 4-12

Wolfe Tones proved to be far too strong for a Kerry junior side that fielded with no subs to spare.  In spite of worthy endeavor for the Kingdom, it was a losing battle almost from the start.  The Tones banged in 4 goals in the opening period and had little to worry about for the remainder of the game.

In spite of a lot of hard work, Kerry were overmatched
by Wolfe Tones.

Kerry were up against it from the throw in.  The Tones first attack ended with the ball fizzing wide, but the second a minute later ended with the ball nestling in the back f the net.  Shane Delaney finished a quick passing move that had the Kerry defenders chasing shadows.  A Lee Clarke point followed, and then another goal from Cormac Joyce-Power at corner forward had Kerry in damage control mode.  Kerry suffered a blow as James Dooley had to leave the field with a shoulder injury, leaving Kerry with 12 men.  Joyce-Power proved to be a handful for the Kerry defenders.  The Limerick man netted twice more before the break. 

Along with Clarke and Shane Delaney in the half forward line, the Tones looked dangerous on each attack.  Kerry managed 2 points at either end of the half.  Brian O'Driscoll at center forward being the scorer.  The Kingdom managed to threaten the posts on several occasions, and forced a save from Pauric Miskell on the stroke of half time.  However, the finishing touch was just not there.  At the break it was a formidable 3-4 to 0-1 Tones lead.

The second half continued as the first ended.  Joyce-Power, Sean Kelly, Andy Rooney, and Jonathan Carroll found the spot between the posts.  Kerry continued to work hard and were rewarded with scores from Ryan Evans and O'Driscoll.  Kerry had a chance at a goal after Danny O'Sullivan was held in the box, but Miskell was alert to the shot and parried it for a 45.  The Tones continued to pop over the points to see out the game and take their first 2 points of the season.

Kerry:  D. O'Connor, P. Murphy, M. Moriarty, M. Godley, R. Foley, J. Dooley, R. Evans, F. O'Sullivan, M. Moriarty Snr., B. O'Driscoll, D. O'Sullivan, K. McCarthy, B. Monagle.  Tones:  P. Miskell, D. McCarron, M. McNamara, K. Gill, D. McGuire, P. Flynn, J. Carroll, P. Collins, E. Carr, L. Clarke, S. Delaney, C. Joyce-Power, S. Kelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday June 15 - Pat O'Brien Cup Final: Donegal v Kerry

Donegal 2-15 Kerry 2-10

There were championship points at stake as well as the Pat O'Brien Cup in the final game of the day.  Thanks to nine Eoin Bradley points, and a goal each from Daniel McLoughlin and Stephen Griffin, Donegal overcame a gallant second half Kerry comeback to kill both birds with the one stone.

Pat O'Brien Cup Champions - Donegal

Donegal had strengthened the side with the addition of Bradley at corner forward, and the return of Cahir Healy to defence brought back memories of Donegal's last championship victory in 2010; Healy played corner back on the side.  Donegal dominated from the get go.  Stephen Griffin accounted for three first quarter points, Bradley three, and Daniel McLoughlin one as the northerners made it look easy. 

Kerry's body language seemed to convey that defeat had been conceded.  The first Kerry score came in the form of a goal after Croft found Graham Glenn with a brilliant pass.  There were 27 minutes gone in the half by that stage.  Bradley answered with a point for Donegal, but points from Glenn and Croft before the break did much to lift Kerry spirits.  A seven point deficit had been reduced to 3.

It was all square with 20 minutes to go.  The teams matched each other for points, and a scrambled goal that was finished by Niall Sheehy meant that all was level.  Kerry's approach was now filled with renewed vigor.  A converted Croft 45 put Kerry into a brief lead, only for two Bradley scores to turn the tables entering the last quarter.

Kerry were now winning the midfield battles, a fine Niall Sheehy score put them into a one point lead.  But that man Bradley was involved in Donegal's go ahead goal.  A searching ball found the Derryman who put the ball across to McLaughlin, who finished easily into the net.  Shortly afterwards Griffin sealed the deal with a second Donegal goal and less than 5 minutes left.  Kerry kept plugging away, but there was too little time to pull off a second comeback.  Donegal win the silverware, and their first points of the season. 

Donegal:  S. Houghton, M. Canney, C. McCarron, S. Doherty, C. Healy, M. Dunphy, M. Smyth, G. Gallagher, C. Bell, G. Clancy, D. McLoughlin, E. Bradley, S. Griffin.  Kerry:  L. Steacy, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, P. Devane, D. Foley, J. O'Shea, I. Whelan, D. Nolan, N. Sheehy, G. Glynn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, D. O'Mahoney.

Rory O'Donnell

June 1: Senior Football - Kerry v Christopher's

Kerry 4-8 Christopher's 4-5

It was an eight goal thriller between Kerry and Christopher's at the Irish Cultural Center on Sunday afternoon.  Although unsettled after conceding 3 goals early in the first half, Kerry pulled through the encounter to emerge 3 point winners.  Niall Sheehy was on the spot with the scores early in the second half as Kerry took the lead, and Kerry hearts missed a beat or two late in the game as Christopher's came within a hair of leveling the scores.

In spite of conceding 4 goals, Kerry came out on top.

Christopher's got off to a three goal start and rattled Kerry nerves early on.  Graham Glenn had put Kerry into a 1-1 to no score lead, but back came Christopher's as they ran at the Kerry defence.  Shane Leahy netted first, and was followed by a fine Kevin McAllister effort.  Dan Kenneally found the incoming  Leahy, who fed McAllister.  Kerry's early woes continued as after he brought down McAllister, Kerry keeper Brendan Monagle was shown a black card.  McAllister hit the kick and found the back of the net.  Christopher's ahead by a score of 3-0 to 1-1.  A little bit of impatience set in the Kerry play, as the ball was overplayed or passes went amiss.  After the teams traded points Kerry pulled a goal back through Derrick Nolan.  At the break Christopher's led by 3-3 to 2-3.

The second half saw Kerry make their comeback.  Niall Sheehy was the man of the moment with three points and a bizarre goal.  A high ball into the edge of the small square looked like it had enough length to sneak wide of the post, but Sheehy managed to get a fist to it and direct the ball into the open net.  Kerry were now 2 points to the good.  Christopher's made efforts to come back into the game, however, there were a few chances that went amiss.  Paudie Kenneally's pointed free was the sum of their rewards.  With the game still very much up for grabs, Kerry's fourth goal of the game came from the boot of Joey Fitzpatrick.  A skyward effort dropped short and ended up dropping just under the bar, Fitzpatrick followed with a point and the Kerrymen were now six points to the good.  Christopher's got a glimmer of hope after Mark Delaney fired home a cracker of a goal with his left foot to put one score in the game.  Christopher's nearly did pull off a draw when Kevin McAllister's shot from a tight angle rebounded off a Kerry defender but somehow stayed out as Mike Godley and Lee Steacy managed to prevent the goal.  Kerry hung on for the final few minutes and survived a tough test of character to remain on full points for the championship so far.

Kerry:  B. Monagle, M. Godley, A. Fitzgerald, M. Moriarty, P. Devane, S. Dunne, I. Whelan, D. Nolan, N. Sheehy, G. Glenn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, L. Steacy.  Christopher's:  J. Toner, E. O'Mahoney, M. McSweeney, P. Dalton, C. Murphy, E. O'Neill, D. Kenneally, M. Delaney, P. Kenneally, S. Leahy, P. Mannion, I Casey, K. McAllister.

By Rory O'Donnell 

Saturday May 24: Senior Football Championship - Galway v Kerry

Kerry 1-13 Galway 0-12

Galway and Kerry opened the 2014 football championship on a bright and breezy Saturday afternoon.  It was an exciting affair, with Galway nursing a 2 point lead late into the game only for Kerry to finish strong and pull out a 4 point victory.  Kerry looked unsure of themselves for most of the first 50 minutes, with Graham Glenn and Robbie Croft keeping their ship afloat for much of the game.  Danny Reddin, who was very involved for Galway, had the leave the fray with 8 minutes to go, which did not help the Brighton club's cause, and at the same time Kerry's other players lifted their game to deliver the points.

Eoghan Kavanagh and Galway had it going early against Kerry.

Galway had the upper hand in the first half, and Kerry were forced to make some adjustments earlier than probably anticipated.  Andy Glennon started at corner forward for Galway and the big Ballinlough man had the Kerry rearguard at sixes and sevens in the early going.  After Kerry took a 2 points to one lead, Galway popped over 4 points in a row.  JJ Doyle, Kevin Cummins, Doyle again, and Glennon had the final touches.  With Galway cleaning up the breaks in midfield and winning possession in the half back line, Kerry saw the need to make some changes.  Center back Aaron Fitzgerald was moved to corner back to take care of the Glennon half way through the first period.  In addition, at the other end of the field, Lee Steacy came on to try and help generate something at the scoring end for Kerry.  Croft accounted for two points towards the end of the half, but  Galway continued to enjoy most of the possession.  On a couple of occasions had the goal in their sights, but could not get a shot off.   There were also a handful of missed chances for points and Galway would have been justified to be a little disappointed to hold just a two point lead at the break.

Kerry left it late to pull out the win.

Following the restart, Galway continued to play the better football.  Danny Reddin at center forward saw a lot of possession, and the midfield of Eoghan Kavanagh and JJ Doyle continued to keep the ball moving in Galway's favour.  Kerry, for their part, relied on Glenn to get things going, and Croft at corner forward for the scoring outlet.  Anything good that happened for the Kingdom involved either, or both, of these men.  The 2 point gap in Galway's favour held late into the game.  Cummins (2) and Glennon put a handful of magnificent scores over the bar, while Kerry kept touch through Steacy and Croft (2).  Things changed in the final 10 minutes.  Danny Reddin withdrew from play due to back problems, which coincided with things changing dramatically in favour of Kerry.  The Kingdom started to get more players involved.  Joe Fitzpatrick, who had largely been anonymous for the first 50 minutes, put 3 points on the trot over the bar, and Derrick Nolan became more instrumental in the game.  With Kerry now finishing strong, and now holding a 2 point lead, a goal came that sealed the win.  Nolan finished a sweeping move to net from the edge of the small square.  There were some scuffles towards the end, Joe O'Shea and JJ Doyle were issued red cards as a result.  At that stage the game was beyond the reach of Galway, while Kerry are still unbeaten in 2014.    

Kerry:  B. Monagle, M. Godley, J. O'Shea, P. Devane, A. Fitzgerald, M. Moriarty, I. Whelan, D. Nolan, N. Sheehy, G. Glenn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, K. McCorty.  Galway:  D. Bindon, P. Cummins, D. Redmond, G. Lundy, M. Ryan, S. O'Donnell, E. Kavanagh, JJ Doyle, J. Kehoe, D. Reddin, T. Gallagher, A. Glennon, K. Cummins.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football Championships Open This Weekend

By Rory O'Donnell

The 2014 Boston Championships begin this coming weekend.  All 8 senior football clubs will be in action, with the first game on Saturday afternoon, followed by 3 games on Sunday.  In addition, there will be a recognition ceremony for the Barley House Wolves hurling club for their contribution to the spread of hurling beyond the Greater Boston area, and the service of club members to the country.  With the main field in pristine condition, and clubs chomping at the bit for early (and very valuable) championship points, the stage is set for a weekend to look forward to.

Christopher's Paudie Kenneally will be one of many
graduates of the undertage programs in action
this coming weekend.

Of course, these clubs have already seen plenty of action in the Pat O'Brien Cup.  The finalists were decided last weekend and it is fair to say that the two strongest sides at this point in the season will be the ones contesting the trophy.  A resurgent Kerry, who are already the talk of the town, will be playing Galway in the opening game in Saturday afternoon.  Galway will be up against it as Kerry look like they have covered all positions with strong players covering the field.  The Kingdom also have the advantage of having played a game on the new sod of the main field, Galway will be experiencing that for the first time on Saturday.  There were no playoffs for the club last year, although there was no game where the side was not in with a chance to win.  Flying the lone Brighton flag in senior football, Galway might be a few players short of turning Kerry on Saturday. 

First up on Sunday are the 2013 Champion Connemara Gaels and Shannon Blues.  Both teams were beaten semi-finalists last Sunday, and each side has a good representation of American born players.  There will be plenty of banter in the Murray household leading up to this one as brothers, Pat, (Blues) and Stephen, (Gaels) will be looking to establish bragging rights, until the playoff stages at least.  The Gaels also team also featured Brian Joyce and AJ Maguire, and the Blues Conor Fitzgerald, makes for a healthy representation of graduates from the underage program.  Each side will see this as a great opportunity for 2 points.  Although the game will be played at a morning hour, expect this to be a keenly contested encounter that will waken the senses.

Also in action are Donegal and Christopher's.  Like Kerry, Donegal have the bases covered in all areas of the field, and like their opponents, feature some locally grown talent in Mark Dunphy and Kieran McDevitt.  Christopher's Kenneally trio of Dan, Jerry, and Paudie, have anchored the team for many years now.  Also coming into the team will be Mark and Pat Delaney, pending the status of injuries.  Although they did not progress in the Cup, Christopher's are likely to give Donegal a contest.  For their part, Donegal are battle hardened after their extra time encounter with the Gaels last week, and that should stand to them.  I'd expect Donegal to squeak it.

The final game of the day matches the old rivals, Wolfe Tones and Aidan McAnespies.  Wolfe Tones will be looking to hold the South Boston/North Dorchester bragging rights after this game.  While McAnespies did not have all the cards in the deck for the cup, it is hard to see them matching the Tones in depth.  The Tones might argue that depth is not a word to be used at this early stage in the season, however, even though not all players may be available Sunday, the Tones should have an edge.  Although McAnespies will not go down without a fight, it would take a massive effort to claim the 2 points.

Finally, with the board honoring the Barley House Wolves, and the Irish Consul General,  Breandán O'Caollaí, Town of Canton Police Chief, Kenneth Berkowitz, and Fire Chief, Charles Doody,  a great weekend lies in store for the Boston Northeast GAA.

Schedule of Games

Saturday May 24

2:00 Kerry v Galway

Sunday May 25

10:30 Connemara Gaels v Shannon Blues

11:45 Donegal v Christopher's

1:30 Honoring the Barley House Wolves

2:00 Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Field C

12:00 Orla Benson Cup:  Connacht Ladies v Tír na nÓg

Pat O'Brien Cup Semi-Final: Kerry v Shannon Blues

By Rory O'Donnell

Kerry 2-11 Shannon Blues 0-6

Kerry made a clear statement with a convincing win over the Blues on Sunday afternoon.  With the field looking in pristine condition, it was the Green and Gold that adorned it with a fine performance and a double digit win.  A goal from Graham Glenn in each half put the issue beyond doubt, the second coming with 10 minutes still remaining.

Kerry looked impressive in Sunday's Cup Semi-Final.

Kerry used the early ball into Robbie Croft to great effect.  The Dubliner made good use of the ball when in possession, holding up the play and waiting for the right pass.  Joey Fitzpatrick was another shining light in Kerry's forward line.  The man from St. Finbar's in Cork played with gusto, and accounted for three of Kerry's scores.  Kerry's defence also did well to snuff out most of the Blues forays forward, Paul Devane marshaled the line well and Aaron Fitzgerald was a tower of strength for the Kerrymen.  Glenn netted towards the end of the first half.  The score put some distance between the teams as up to that point there was a 2 point difference in Kerry's favour.  For the Blues it was Shane Kavanagh on the mark, along with David Clifford and Derek O'Brien.

Heading into the second half 5 points in arrears, the Blues further lost ground with a Croft free going between the posts.  Soon afterwards Croft held the ball up well and lobbed a high pass into Glenn, who made a clean catch and buried the ball from the edge of the square.  The Blues rallied and came close to netting a goal, but two great chances were stopped on the line by a swarming Kerry defence.  Kerry continued to maintain the upper hand and saw the game out with a fine win to send them into the final.  Kerry are looking strong in the early season with some impressive additions to the home based panel and the southerners will face Donegal in the final. 

Kerry:  B. Monagle, J. O'Shea, M. Godley, M. Moriarty, A. Fitzgerald, P. Devane, I. Whelan, D. Nolan, N. Sheehy, G. Glenn, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Croft, K. Mooney.  Blues:  C. Wallace, T. Wallace, S. Kelly, D. O'Brien, C. Moriarty, K. Byrne, S. Moriarty, P. Murray, D. Cliffird, J. Feeney, J. Craig, S. Kavanagh, C. Fields.

August 11 - Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Kerry

Connemara Gaels 2-14 Kerry 2-9

The Connemara Gaels advanced to the semi-final of the senior football championship with a convincing win over Kerry.  The Gaels were on top in most areas of the field throughout and looked to be well on their way after Ian Burke netted 11 minutes into the second half.  The Cullen twins did well at corner back to hold Darragh O'Brien and Shane O'Callaghan to a handful of scores from play.  The Gaels face a different prospect in Christopher's next Sunday  in the semi final.

Shane O'Callaghan with Lee Cullen in pursuit....

The Gaels largely dominated the first 30 minutes of play and went in at the break 5 points to the good.  The only real blemish on the back line was an early Darragh O'Brien goal that was well worked and well taken.  O'Brien was played in with a lovely ball over the top and finished well.  The Gaels answered in style with six points on he trot before Coleman Mulkerrins netted a fine goal to put the Gaels in the drivers seat.  Traffic was virtually one way now as the Gaels dominated the midfield stakes, and snuffed out the Kerry attacks.  Kerry managed points from David Larkin and O'Brien before half time, and at the break it was a 1-9 to 1-4 Gaels advantage.

...Cullen this time with O'Callaghan giving chase.

Kerry got the first score of the second half through Darren Clabby.  The next 4 scores came from the Gaels as the Connemara men cemented their dominance and a Kerry turnaround looked increasingly unlikely.  Graham and Burke pointed from frees, before Mulkerrins added another point and Burke a goal with 10 minutes gone of the restart.  With the goal the Gaels went 10 points into the lead and the outcome looked increasingly inevitable.  Kerry put some pressure on the Gaels defence in the final quarter and forced Eoin Connolly into a couple of good saves.  Ronan Kennedy who entered as a sub almost netted, but his shot flew narrowly over the crossbar.  O'Brien, Colm Schwer, and Darren Clabby pointed as full time approached, but the hole was too big for points to dig Kerry out. A couple of goals were needed at that stage.  The Kingdom won a penalty in injury time and O'Brien netted to improve the look of the score, but it was the end of the road for Kerry and the Gaels move on to the semi-final.

Kerry:  P. Bailey, S. Driscoll, D. Larkin (0-1), M. Godley, B. Kelliher, E. Mullen, S. Cunningham, I. Whelan, C. Schwer (0-1), D. Clabby (0-2), J. Fitzpatrick, S. O'Callaghan, D. O'Brien (1-4).  Sub: R. Kennedy (0-1).  Gaels:  E. Connolly, L. Cullen, C. Cullen, S. Conneely (0-1), R. Kiely, D. Doolan, R. Hyde, D. Comer (0-1), M. Lundy, N. Graham (0-3), D. Hogan (0-1), I. Burke (1-5), C. Mulkerrins (1-3).

By Rory O'Donnell